Zipper fastener



Nov. 18, 1941. B. R. AUSTIN 2,263,481

ZIPPER FASTENER I Filed Feb. 1o,' 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 18, 1941. B. R. AUSTIN ZIPPER FASTENER Filed Feb. 10, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patenteci Nov. 18, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENTIOFFICE ZIPPER FASTENER.

Ben Ragan Austin, Nashville, Tenn.

Application February 10, 1939, Serial No. 255,764

7 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful im provements in separable fasteners of the Zipper" type.

It frequently happens that in closing a Zipper fastener on handbags, coats, and the like, a handkerchief, a necktie, or the like, may become caught in the fastener, which precludes the return of the slider back over the Zipper fastener members to separate the same. It furthermore often happens that the wearer of a coat equipped with a Zipper fastener desires to have the garment open at the bottom in the' manner rmitted by the use of buttons and button ho es. In accordance with the present invention, the closed portion of the Zipper may be opened at will without moving the slider in a return direction so that any object which may have been caught in closing the Zipper can be readily freed therefrom.

The primary object of this invention is to provide latch mechanism for the starting ends of the rows of separable, interlocking or fastening members which may be disconnected, after the slider has been moved any desired distance along said rows of members, to permit the interlocked members, located to the rear ofthe slider, to be separated without moving the slider.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for permitting the slider to be returned to the starting ends of the rows of members after separation of the members to the rear of the slider.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In, the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a coat or jacket with a Zipper" fastener of the type embodying this invention applied thereto,

Figure 2 is a detail, enlarged elevational view of one form of latch mechanism embodying this invention and illustrates the mechanism in closed condition,

Figure 3 is a similar view to Fig. 2, but illustrates the latch mechanism in opened or separated condition,

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 2,

Figures 5 and 6 are detail perspective views of certain elements of the latch mechanism disclosed in Figs. 2 to 4, inclusive,

Figure 'I is a detail, enlarged elevational vie illustrates the latch mechanism in a disconnected condition,

Figure 12 is a transverse sectional view taken on lines l2-l2 of Fig. 10,

Figure 13 is a similar view to Fig. 1 1, but illustrates a still further modified form of latching mechanism, and i Figures 14 and 15 are detailed longitudinal sectional views of the two devices of the latching mechanism disclosed in Fig. 13.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration are shown the preferred embodiments of this invention, and particularly referring to Fig. 1, the reference character l6 designates a coat or jacket with a Zipper fastener of the character embodying this invention applied thereto. It is to be understood that I do not desire to limit the application of my Zipper fasteners to coats or jackets, but intend to cover the use of my Zipper fasteners on all objects and articles which may be provided with edge portions which are intended to be connected and disconnected. The coat or jacket I6 is provided with two edge portions which have suitaby secured thereto, in the conventional manner, the separate rows of fastener members I! and I8. These fastener members are clearly illustrated in Figs 3, 7, 11 and 13 as being of suitable design to be interlocked by movement of a slider I9 from the starting ends toward the finishing ends of the two rows and to be disconnected by movement of the slider in the opposite direction. Fastener members of this character, also, are adapted to be pulled apart or disconnected, after being interlocked by movement of the slider, if and when the starting ends of the two rows of fastener members are pulled away from each other. In most Zipper fastener assemblies, it is disastrous to permit the fastener members to become disconnected rearwardly of the slider. For this reason, the starting ends of the two rows of fastener members are provided with cooperating connecting devices which cannotv become separated or disconnected while the rows of fasteners are interlocked.

The Zipper fastener assemblies embodying this invention, however, are provided with latch mechanism at the starting ends of the two rows of members which may be disconnected after the slider has been moved along the rows of members to interlock the same. It is possible, therefore, to open up the coat or jacket IE, or the like, rearwardly of the slider. Separation of the fastener members to the rear of the slider is not disastrous with the mechanism disclosed and described herein for the row of fastener members l8 extends beyond the finishing end of the row of fastener members l1 and this extension of the row of fastener members 3 permits the slider to be moved beyond the last fastener member H to entirely free the edge of the garment carrying the fastener members l1. It is possible, therefore, to entirely disconnect all of the members l1 and I8 to the rear of the slider and then return the slider to the starting end of the row of fastener members l8. When at the starting end of the row of fastener. members l8, the row of fastener members l1 and the associated latch mechanism or device may again be started through the slider. This manipulation of the Zipper fastener mechanisms of this invention permits a garment equipped with the same to be opened at the starting end portion, as shown in Fig. 1, while the upper portion of the garment is closed or the mechanism may be manipulated as disclosed in Fig. 9, so that the fastener members are entirely disconnected from each other except in the immediate vicinity of the slider I9.

Figs. 2 to 6, inclusive, disclose one form of latch mechanism embodying this invention. Figs. 2 and 3 partially disclose the two .rows of fastener members I1 and |8 conventionally associated with their mounting, fabric strips and 2 l respectively.

The fabric strip 20 has suitably secured thereto, at the starting end of the row of fastener members l1, sheet metal base plates 22. The upstanding portions 22a of these plates 22 are formed with a pin 23 which extends longitudinally of the row of fastener members I1 and projects beyond the edge of the plate portion 22a to form the free projection 23a.

The fabric mounting strip 2| has secured to its end portion, adjacent the starting end of the row of fastener members l8, a sheet metal plate structure which is illustrated in detail in Fig. 6. This sheet metal plate structure includes the two side plates 24 which are joined at one end of the structure ;by means of a keeper sleeve 25. This keeper sleeve is hollow or of tubular formation and is provided with a longitudinally extending slot or opening 26 which extends part way of the length of the sleeve. A branch opening 21 extends off of the slot or opening 26. A longitudinally slotted, tubular abutment 28, also, is carried by the plate members 24. This plate structure is connected to the fabric mounting strip 2| by having the strip arranged between the two plates 24 and projecting through the slot into the bore of the abutment 28.

A manipulable sleeve 29, see Fig. 5, is adapted to be arranged within the bore of the keeper sleeve 25, see Figs. 2 and 3. This sleeve 29 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 30 and an actuating handle 3|. When the sleeve 29 is arranged within the keeper sleeve 25, the stem 32 of the handle 3| is arranged within the opening 21 of the keeper sleeve 25. The handle 3| may be moved into the two positions illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 for arranging the opening 30 of the sleeve 29 either out of register with the opening or slot 26 of the keeper sleeve 25, as is shown in Fig. 2 as well as in Fig. 4, or in a position to cause the opening or slot 33 to register with the opening or slot 26.

When the handle 3| is arranged in the posi tion disclosed in Fig. 3, the two slots or openings 26 and 30 register with each other and the projecting portion 23a of the latch pin 23 may be moved laterally through the registered slots or openings into the latch keeper 25, or more speciflcally, into the bore of the sleeve 29. Movement of the handle 3| into the position disclosed in Figs. 2 and 4 will place the two slots or openings 26 and 33 out of register with each other and will prevent the pin 23 from moving laterally outwardly of the keeper sleeve.

With the two rows of fastener members l1 and |8 separated, as shown in Fig. 3, and with the slider l9 arranged at the starting end of the row of fastener members I8, the pin 23 may be threaded through one manipulating side of the slider l9 and axially into the bores of the sleeves 25 and 29. The slider l9 then may be moved along the two rows of fastener members H and' I3 for interlocking the same. If the handle 3| of the sleeve 29 is in the position illustrated in Fig. 2, the starting ends of the two rows of fastener members l1 and It! will remain connected or interlocked. However, if the handle 3| is moved into the position illustrated in Fig. 3, the latch pin 23 may be moved laterally outwardly of the bores of the sleeves 25 and 29 through the registering slots or openings 26 and 30. By pulling the mounting fabric strips 20 and 2| away from each other, the interlocked fastener members l1 and I3 will be separated. These fastener members may be separated to the extent illustrated in Fig. I or right up to the location of the slider |9 in said figure. When it is desired to re- 'move the garment entirely, after the fastener members I1 and I8 have been disconnected rearwardly of the slider l9, the said slider can be moved up onto the finishing end portion of the row of fastener members l8 and thereby be entirely disconnected from the row of fastener members l1. The members may then be entirely disconnected from each other right up to the last pair of members. The slider may then be moved longitudinally down the row of fastening members l8 to the starting end of this row. The pin.23 may again be manipulated when and as desired to reconnect the rows of fastener members, as described above.

Figs. '7 and 8 disclose a slightly modified form of latch mechanism. In this mechanism, the fabric strip 26 has mounted on its lower end portion, adjacent the starting end of the row of fastener members l1, a plate structure including the two side plates 33, see Fig. 8. These side plates are joined by the tubular pin formation 34 and the plates have an opening 35 formed therein adjacent the pin.

The fabric strip 2| has secured to its startingend the plate structure which includes the two side plates 35. These two side plates are joined by a short sleeve portion 36 which mounts one end of a pin 31. The remaining end of this pin 31 slotted and clamped to the fabric strip 2|, as at A tubular keeper sleeve 39 is threaded between the pin 31 and the edge of the fabric strip 2|.

This keeper sleeve is provided with a manipulating handle or finger 45. When the keeper sleeve 39 is arranged in the position illustrated in Fig. 8. the slot or mouth 4!, formed in this keeper sleeve, registers with the pin 34 and this pin may be moved laterally through the slot 4i into the bore of the keeper sleeve 39. The sleeve 39 then should be rotated about its longitudinal axis until the finger 40 occupies the position disclosed in Fig. 7 at which time the slot 4| will be moved out of register with the Pin 34 and one side of the keeper sleeve 39 will be arranged within the opening 35 formed in the plates 33. This latch mechanism may be manipulated to latch or look the pin to the keeper sleeve or to free the pin relative to the keeper sleeve. Due to this latching or unlatching action, the latch mechanism of Figs. 7 and 8 may be employed with the two rows of fastener members I! and I8 and a keeper l9 in the same manner as described in connection with the latch mechanism of Figs. 2

to 6, inclusive.

Figs. 10 to 12, inclusive, disclose a still further modified form of latch mechanism. In this structure, the fabric mounting strip 28 has secured to its starting end a plate structure including the two side plates 42, see Fig. 12. These two side plates are joined by a tubular portion which forms a latch pin 43. Fig. 11 clearly discloses this pin 43 as having longitudinally slidably mounted thereon a sleeve 44 which is formed with a manipulating finger or handle 45.

The fabric mounting strip 2| is provided at its starting end with a plate structure including the two side plates 46, see Fig. 12. These two sid plates are joined by a sleeve portion 41 which receives a projection 48 formed on the tubular, keeper sleeve 49. This keeper sleeve is further attached to the fabric strip by the clamping head 50. The keeper sleeve 49 is integral with or immovable with the respect to the mounting parts 48 and 50. Fig. 12 clearly illustrates the keeper sleeve 49 as being provided with an opening or slot 5|. Figs. 10 and 11 disclose the keeper sleeve 49 in side elevation and illustrate the same as possessing an nlarged portion 52 and a reduced portion 53. The enlarged portion 52 is provided to receive the slidable sleeve 44 mounted on the pin 43. The reduced or smaller portion 53 of the sleeve 49 acts as a stop for limiting movement of the sleeve 44 along the pin 43 when the pin is arranged within the bore of the keeper sleeve 49.

It will be appreciated that the pin 43 may be moved laterally into the keeper sleeve 49, through the slot or opening 5i of said sleeve, when the slidable sleeve 44 is arranged in its upper posi tion, as shown in Fig. 11. This slidable sleeve 44 then may be moved downwardly into the enlarged portion 52 of the keeper sleeve 49 and the pin 43 will be locked against lateral withdrawal from the keeper sleeve 49 through the slot or opening 5|. It will be appreciated that this latch mechanism may be associated with the rows of fastener members I! and I8, see Fig. 9, and manipulated to permit opening'of the jacket ill at the bottom or rearwardly of the slider I 9 in the same manner as has been described in connection with the preceding latch mechanism.

Figs. 13 to 15 disclose another form of latch mechanism. In this form the fabric mounting strip 20 is provided with a plate structure 54 which is formed with a sleeve 55 having secured thereto a stationary pin section 55. The details of this structure are best illustrated in Fig. 14.

It will be noted that the pin section 55 is of tub lar formation and is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 51. A telescopically associated pin section 58 is provided and the bore of this pin section 58 and the bore of the tubular pin section 55 receive a spring 58 which normally applies force to the end'oi' the pin section 58 tending to move it oil of the pin section 58. A small stud 58,. however. is carried by the pin section 58 and is received in the slot 51 formed in the pin section 56 to limit relative axial move,- ment between these twosections.

The fabric strip 2| has mounted on its starting end a plate structure 6| which is formed with a tubular keeper or sleeve 52. This keeper or sleeve is further secured to the fabric strip 2| by the clamping end portion 83. Fig. 15 clearly discloses the keeper sleeve 62 as being provided with a longitudinally extending slot or opening 54. A double headed pin 65 passes through the closed bottom end 66 of the keeper sleeve 62.

To connect the pin, attached to the mounting fabric strip 28, to the keeper 62, the pin may be either passed laterally through the slot or opening 64 or the pin may be moved longitudinally relative to the keeper sleeve 62 through the open upper end of this sleeve. The pin structure is capable of being threaded through one manipulating side of a slider l9 and then passed longitudinally into the keeper leeve 62 to secure the starting ends of the rows 0 fastener members I] and I8. A slider l9 then may be moved longitudinally of the rows of fastener members to interlock the same. When it is desired to disconnect the starting ends of the rows of fastener members; the double headed pin 55 may be moved axially inwardly of the keeper sleeve 52. This inward movement of the double headed pin 55 causes the pin section 58 to be moved longitudinally inwardly of the pin section 56 by compressing the spring 59. The inwardly movable pin section 58 may be manipulated until its lower end will clear the inner end of the lateral slot or opening 54 in the keeper sleeve 82. The pin sections 56 and 58 then may be moved laterally outwardly of the keeper sleeve 62 through the slot 64. The starting ends of the two rows 01 fastener members I! and I8 then will be disconnected and the fastener members may be pulled apart until they assume the position disclosed in Fig. 9, or some other desirable condition.

It is to be understood that the forms of this invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:

1. In a Zipper fastener structure, latch mechanism for connecting the starting ends of the two rows of complementary fastener members comprising a latch pin associated with one row of members, a latch keeper of hollow construction associated with the other row of members and having a longitudinally extending slot formed in its side wall through which the latch pin may move laterally into and out of the keeper, and a laterally extending slot communicating with the longitudinal slot, and a hollow sleeve journaled for'rotation in the hollow keeper, said sleeve having a longitudinally extending slot adapted to be moved into and out of register with the longitudinal slot of the keeper so as to open and close the keeper slot to allow and prevent the passage of the latch pin therethrough,

" with respect to one row of fastener members, a

second latch member including a keeper of hollow construction fixed with respect to the other row of fastener members and having a longitudinally extending slot formed in its side wall through which the latch pin may move laterally into and out of the keeper, and an element having a wall portion movable into and out of keeper slot closing position.

3. In a Zipper fastener structure, latch mechanism for connecting the starting ends of the two rows of complementary fastener members comprising a latch pin associated with one row of members, a latch keeper of hollow construction associated with the other row of members and having a longitudinally extending slot formed in its side wall through which the latch pin may move laterally into and out of the keeper, and an element having a wall portion movable into and out of keeper slot closing position, said element and pin both being received within the keeper when the keeper slot is closed.

4. In a Zipper fastener structure, latch mechanism for connecting the starting ends of the two rows of complementary fastener members comprising a latch pin fixed with respect to one r0 of members, a sleeve having a slot in its side wall through which the pin may move laterally into and out of the sleeve, a hollow member for rotatably supporting the sleeve associated with the other row of members, said hollow member having a wall portion to close the slot in said sleeve when the latter is arranged in one predetermined position, and an operating handle attached to the sleeve and engageable with .a part of the sleeve supporting member when the sleeve slot is closed by the said wall portion of the hollow member. g

5. In a Zipperfi fastener structure, latch mechanism for connecting the starting endsof the two rows of complementary fastener members comprising a latch pin associated with one row of members, a latch keeper of hollow construction associated with the other row of members and having a longitudinally extending slot formed in its side wall through which the latch pin may move laterally into and out of the keeper, a hollow sleeve Journaled for rotation in the hollow keeper, said sleeve having a longitudinally extending slot adapted to be moved into and out of register with the longitudinal slot of the keeper so as to open or close the keeper slot to allow and prevent the passage of the latch pin therethrough.

6. In a Zipper fastener structure, latch mechanism for connecting the starting ends of the two rows of complementary fastener members comprising a latch pin fixed with respect to one row of members, and a pair of relatively rotatable slotted sleeves associated with the other row of members, said sleeves, when in one relative position, having their slots registering to pass the latch pin therethrough and, when in another relative position, having their slots out of register to bar the passage of the latch pin.

'7. In a Zipper" fastener structure, latch mechanism for connecting the starting ends of the two rows of complementary fastener members comprising a latch pin fixed with respect to one row of members, a pair of relatively rotatable slotted sleeves associated with the other row of members, said sleeves, when in one relative position, having their slots registering to pass the latch pin therethrough and, when in another relative position, having their slots out of register to bar the passage of the latch pin, and an operating handle attached to one of the sleeves and engageable with a part of the other sleeve when the sleeve slots are out of register.

BEN RAGAN AUSTIN. 

